Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.
K-2-ETS1-3
Age / Subject
K-2 Env. Science
Description
Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.
NGSS 4-ESS3-2
Age / Subject
4th Grade, Environmental Science
Description
Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans
NGSS MS-ETS1-1
Age / Subject
Middle School / Engineering Design
Description
Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
TEKS 2.6-8-C
Age / Subject
MS / Scientific & Engineering Practices
Description
Use mathematical calculations to assess quantitative relationships in data
TEKS 1.6-8-C
Age / Subject
MS / Scientific & Engineering Practices
Description
Use appropriate safety equipment and practices during laboratory, classroom, and field investigations as outlined in the Texas Education Agency approved safety standards
NGSS MS-PS3-5
Age / Subject
Middle School / Phs. Science
Description
Construct, use, and present arguments to support the claim that when the kinetic energy of an object changes, energy is transferred to or from the object.
NGSS MS-PS3-2
Age / Subject
Middle School / Phs. Science
Description
Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects interacting at a distance changes, different amounts of potential energy are stored in the system.
NGSS MS-PS2-1
Age / Subject
Middle School / Phs. Science
Description
Apply Newton’s Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.*
NGSS 4-PS3-4
Age / Subject
4th Grade, Physical Science
Description
Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
NGSS 4-PS3-3
Age / Subject
4th Grade, Physical Science
Description
Ask questions and predict outcomes about the changes in energy that occur when objects collide
NGSS 4-PS3-2
Age / Subject
4th Grade, Physical Science
Description
Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents
NGSS 4-PS3-1
Age / Subject
4th Grade, Physical Science
Description
Use evidence to construct an explanation relating the speed of an object to the energy of that object
NGSS 3-5-ETS1
Age / Subject
3rd-5th / Engineering Design
Description
Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
Explore Concepts & Careers around BOATS before building / testing one of your own!
Category
Marine Engineering & Manufacturing
Videos
5 Instructional Videos
Estimated Length
2-4 Hours of Programming
Objective: Students will apply concepts of buoyancy, stability, and material science to design, build, and test a cargo boat capable of holding maximum weight while remaining afloat.🏋️♀️
Set in the portside city of STIIX-Ville, students are tasked with creating a vessel to support the growing shipping demands of the town. Through this hands-on challenge, students will investigate displacement, design efficiency, and problem-solving, while documenting their build process and reflecting on the performance of their prototype. 🚢
Although this specific project is not on there, check out our optional Augmented Reality app, STIIXVille. In it, students can bring concepts & careers to life for 6 other of our other STIIX activities.🤳
Check out the introductory video to learn about the background of boats, how they relate to the real world, and the lessons we want you to take away from this activity!
2 min
Academic Video
Tune in to hear some of the Science & Engineering principles behind the boat project!
4 min
"How To" Video
Tune into the how to video to find tips, examples, and even obstacles to avoid when designing and building your boat.
4 min
Testing & Evaluation
In this video, we walk you through just how we are going to test your boat once we receive it back here at STIIX headquarters (or whether you would prefer to do it at home!).
3 min
Bonus Video
Tune in to meet our friend David, who shares some insight as someone who designs boats for his job everyday!
1 min
Check out these resources
Lesson Plan
Details process for how to lead activity with class.
